Head harness for supporting an interface device

ABSTRACT

An adjustable head harness for supporting an interface device near a face of a head includes a headband section, an adjustable crown support section, an upper support section and a lower support section. The headband section is adapted to fit over a portion of the head and configured to secure the adjustable head harness to the head. The headband section has connectors disposed at selected portions of the headband section. The adjustable crown support section is configured to prevent a slipping of the headband section in a downward direction with respect to a top of the head. The adjustable crown support section traverses the top of the head in a crisscross fashion and is connected to the headband section via the connectors. The upper support section is disposed at a portion of the headband section corresponding to the face. The upper support section supports the interface device at a first location. The lower support section extends from the headband section to provide support for the interface device at a second location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of this invention relates to a head harness assembly for supporting an interface device for communicating a fluid to a user. More particularly, an embodiment of this invention relates to an adjustable head harness for supporting a respiratory device.

In the art of respiratory devices, there are a variety of devices that engage the nose and/or mouth of the user in order to provide a gas at positive pressure for consumption by the user. The uses for such respiratory devices range from high altitude breathing (i.e., aviation applications) to mining and fire fighting applications, to various medical diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

One requisite of such a respiratory device has been that they are secured to a head of the user to provide the mouth and/or nose with the gas being supplied. Commonly, in prior respiratory devices, methods of securing the respiratory device to the user's head are either ineffective, effective for only a short time, or cause considerable discomfort for the user. This problem is most crucial in those applications, especially medical applications, which require the user to wear a respiratory device continuously for hours or perhaps even days. In such situations, the user will not tolerate the respiratory device for long durations and optimum therapeutic or diagnostic objectives thus will not be achieved, or will be achieved with great difficulty and considerable user discomfort.

Past methods of securing the respiratory device to the user's head have included a rubber cap in combination with elastic bands and safety pins to hold the respiratory device. Such a device has been ineffective as a long-term solution since it requires repeated adjustments, which irritate the user and may reopen existing wounds. Additionally, the rubber cap retains body heat and causes additional discomfort to the user.

To overcome these problems, a head harness is needed which effectively secures the respiratory device to the head of the user, but does not create discomfort. Additionally, it is desirable that the head harness be made of a material that is suitable for use in a medical diagnostic imaging method or apparatus or device, such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices, computed tomography (CT) scanning devices, ultrasound scanning devices and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the invention include an adjustable head harness for supporting an interface device near a face of a head. The adjustable head harness includes a headband section, an adjustable crown support section, an upper support section and a lower support section. The headband section is adapted to fit over a portion of the head and configured to secure the adjustable head harness to the head. The headband section has connectors disposed at selected portions of the headband section. The adjustable crown support section is configured to prevent a slipping of the headband section in a downward direction with respect to a top of the head. The adjustable crown support section traverses the top of the head in a crisscross fashion and is connected to the headband section via the connectors. The upper support section is disposed at a portion of the headband section corresponding to the face. The upper support section supports the interface device at a first location. The lower support section extends from the headband section to provide support for the interface device at a second location.

Further exemplary embodiments of the invention include an adjustable head harness for supporting a bilateral tube assembly near a head having a face and a top portion. The adjustable head harness includes a headband section, an adjustable crown support section, an upper tube support section and a lower tube support section. The headband section is adapted to fit over a portion of the head and configured to secure the adjustable head harness to the head. The headband section has connectors disposed at selected portions of the headband section. The adjustable crown support section is configured to prevent a slipping of the headband section in a downward direction with respect to the top of the head. The adjustable crown support section traverses the top of the head in a crisscross fashion and is connected to the headband section via the connectors. The upper support section is disposed at a portion of the headband section corresponding to the face. The upper support section supports the bilateral tube assembly at a first location. The lower support section extends from the headband section to provide support for the bilateral tube assembly at a second location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of an embodiment of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front left hand side of a head harness for a respiratory device having bilateral tubing as worn by a patient according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates the head harness of FIG. 1 removed from the patient and disassembled;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an adjustable crown support section of the head harness of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an adjusting member of the head harness of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of an S-hook of the head harness of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a strap affixed to a headband section of the head harness of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of an upper tube support section of the head harness of FIG. 2 to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to a head harness for a respiratory device fitted to the head of a user for communicating breathable gas to airways of the user, for example in the administering of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or a bi-level positive airway pressure (BIPAP) treatment. However, the embodiment of the invention is not limited to this particular field of use and is equally suited for respiratory devices used in assisted respiration or mechanical ventilation, and other interface devices, for example, feeding tubes, etc.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a head harness 10 for a respiratory device, as worn by a patient. The head harness 10 is disposed about the head 12 of the patient such that the head harness 10 supports a bilateral tube assembly 14 supplying a gas to the patient. More specifically, supplying a gas to a nose of the patient via a lateral tube in fluid communication with the bilateral tube assembly. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that although this exemplary embodiment discloses a bilateral tube assembly 14, the head harness 10 is also adaptable to support other respiratory devices. The head harness 10 includes a headband section 20, an adjustable crown support section 22, an upper tube support section 24, and a lower tube support section 26.

FIG. 2 illustrates the head harness 10 of FIG. 1 removed from the patient and disassembled. The headband section 20 provides adjustable attachment of the head harness 10 to the head 12 via a single flexible member. The headband section 20 includes a main strap 30, an attachment device 32 (see FIG. 1), and a plurality of connectors 34. The main strap 30 is made of an elastic material configured to extend around the head 12 at a level above the patient's eyes and ears. In an exemplary embodiment, the main strap 30 is made of an approximately 1½-inch elastic cotton band to provide a comfortable yet secure fit. Additionally, the relatively small width of the main strap 30 prevents an excessive buildup of body heat inside the main strap 30. The main strap 30 includes a first end portion and a second end portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the head harness 10 is disposed on the head 12, such that the attachment device 32 is located at a position above and between the left eye and left ear, as shown in FIG. 1, to facilitate operation of the head harness 10 from a frontal direction relative to the head 12.

Although the main strap 30 is made of elastic material, the length of the main strap 30 is optionally selected to conform to a head circumference of the patient. For example, the main strap 30 is of three separate lengths corresponding to small, medium, and large head circumferences.

The attachment device 32 includes a first attachment part 35 and a second attachment part 36 disposed at first and second end portions of the main strap 30, respectively. The attachment device 32 is configured to affix first and second end portions to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment device 32 includes first and second attachment parts 35 and 36 made of a hook and loop fastener known in the art. Although a hook and loop fastener is used in an exemplary embodiment, it should be recognized that other suitable means of affixing first and second ends are also envisioned including, for example, clasps, laces, straps, buckles, etc. Additionally, selecting non-metallic materials to construct the attachment device 32, the main strap 30, and all other components of the head harness 10, allows the head harness 10 to be worn during common imaging procedures including, for example, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans.

The plurality of connectors 34 is disposed at selected portions around the circumference of a surface of the main strap 30 and extending from an edge defining the main strap 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of connectors 34 includes a receiving loop formed from a fabric strap. Both ends of the fabric strap are affixed to the main strap 30 creating the receiving loop. The receiving loop of each connector 34 among the plurality of connectors 34 is configured to receive an engaging portion of an S-hook 38, which forms part of the adjustable crown support section 22. Thus, each connector 34 serves in combination with the S-hook 38, as a connection means between the headband section 20 and the adjustable crown support section 22. Although the receiving loop and S-hook 38 provide the connection means between the headband section 20 and the adjustable crown support section 22 in this exemplary embodiment, other suitable connection means are also envisioned.

As stated above, the plurality of connectors 34 are disposed at selected portions of the main strap 30. In an exemplary embodiment, a number of connectors 34 is four, corresponding to a number of S-hooks 38 of the adjustable crown support section 22. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the number of connectors 34 used is greater than the number of S-hooks 38. For example, twelve connectors 34 and four S-hooks may be used to increase a number of optional connection locations for engaging each S-hook 38. Thus, the adjustable crown support section 22 is adapted to being disposed in a number of optional configurations, thereby permitting a nurse or physician to arrange the head harness 10 to avoid contact between the adjustable crown support section 22 and injured regions of the head 12.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the adjustable crown support section 22 of the head harness 10 of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment. The adjustable crown support section 22 prevents a weight of the bilateral tube assembly 14 from causing the head harness 10 to slip down over the eyes or ears of the patient. The adjustable crown support section 22 also provides an open structure for heat to escape from the head 12 (see FIG. 1), thereby making the head harness 10 more comfortable than many alternative means of supporting respiratory devices that cover the entire head 12 or a large portion of the head 12.

The adjustable crown support section 22 includes a plurality of straps 40 (four shown), each strap 40 connected to a center ring 42. Each strap 40 includes an adjusting member 44 and S-hooks 38 opposite the center ring 42. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable crown support section 22 includes an equal number of straps 40 and connectors 34, for example, four straps 40 and four connectors 34. Each strap 40 includes a comfortable material, for example, cotton. Each strap 40 is affixed to the center ring 42 at a first end of the strap 40 and to a corresponding adjusting member 44 at a second end of the strap 40. A middle portion of each strap 40 passes through a closed portion of a corresponding S-hook 38. Each strap 40 traverses the head 12 in a crisscross fashion to provide maximum support for the bilateral tube assembly 14 (see FIG. 1).

The center ring 42 is an annular shaped plastic ring configured to affix one end of the strap 40 and permit adjustment of the strap 40. When the head harness 10 is used, the center ring 42 is disposed near a center of the head 12 when viewed from a top of the head 12. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the center ring 42 is omitted, and the adjustable crown support section 22 includes alternative adjustable straps 40, such as, for example, two straps 40 that traverse each other in the crisscross fashion near the center of the head 12 when viewed from the top of the head 12, or four straps 40 that engage a device suitable for providing adjustment of the straps 40. The center ring 42 of an exemplary embodiment permits adjustment of a position of the straps 40 with respect to the head 12 by allowing the S-hook 38 corresponding to each strap 40 to be inserted into a selected one of the plurality of connectors 34 to give flexibility in avoiding contact between the adjustable crown support section 22 and head wounds and the like, while still providing maximum support for the bilateral tube assembly 14 via the crisscross pattern of the straps 40 atop the head 12.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the adjusting member 44 of the head harness 10 of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment. The adjusting member 44 according to an exemplary embodiment includes a plastic apparatus shaped like a figure “8” having a central bar 46 defining two apertures 47. The second end of the strap 40 is attached to the central bar 46 and a portion of the strap 40 is fed through each of the two apertures 47 to provide a means for adjusting a length of the strap 40 by sliding the adjusting member 44 along the strap 40 in a direction closer to the S-hook 38 in order to lengthen the strap 40, and by sliding the adjusting member 44 along the strap 40 in a direction closer to the center ring 42 to shorten the length of the strap 40.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the S-hook 38 of the head harness 10 of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment. The S-hook 38 is an engaging device, which connects the strap 40 to one of the plurality of connectors 34. The S-hook 38 of an exemplary embodiment includes a closed end portion 48 and an open end portion 49. The strap 40 passes through the closed end portion 48 and the open end portion 49 is insertable into the receiving loop of one of the plurality of connectors 34 to form a connection between the headband section 20 and the adjustable crown support section 22. The S-hook 38 is made of non-metallic material, for example, plastic, to allow the head harness 10 to be worn in the MRI, CT scan, etc.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, one S-hook 38 and one corresponding connector 34 are replaced by one strap 40 that is permanently affixed to the headband section 20. As shown in FIG. 6, permanently affixing one strap 40 to the headband section 20 ensures that the adjustable crown support section 22 does not become separated from the headband section 20 and get lost, while still allowing substantial freedom to adjust locations of remaining S-hooks 38. Although in FIG. 6, permanently affixing one strap 40 to the headband section 20 is accomplished by passing a portion of one strap 40 through a fixed loop, which forms one connector 34, other suitable methods of permanently affixing one strap 40 to the headband section 20 are also envisioned. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, one strap 40 is permanently affixed to the headband section 20 at a region of the headband section 20 corresponding to a position behind a back left ear of the head 12 in order to provide an alignment reference for the remaining straps 40.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the upper tube support section 24 of the head harness 10 of FIG. 2 to an exemplary embodiment. The upper tube support section 24 provides support for an upper portion of the bilateral tube assembly 14 by ensuring that the upper portion of the bilateral tube assembly 14 is secured to the head 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper tube support section 24 includes two tube holders 50. The two tube holders 50 are disposed such that each tube holder 50 is near a corresponding right or left temple region of the head 12, thereby preventing the bilateral tube assembly 14 from interfering with vision, hearing or comfort of the user. Each tube holder 50 includes a holder strap 52 and rings 54. The holder strap 52 has a first end and a second end. The first end of the holder strap 52 is attached to a first ring 56 and the second end of the holder strap 52 is attached to a second ring 57. A portion of the holder strap 52 near the first end is affixed to the headband section 20. A third ring 58 provides for adjustment of the holder strap 52 to engage and clasp the upper portion of the bilateral tube assembly 14. Following the portion of the holder strap 52 that is affixed the headband section 20, the holder strap 52 is passed through the third ring 58, passed through the first ring 56, and passed back through the third ring 58 before extending toward the second end, thereby forming an adjustable clasping mechanism to engage and clasp the upper portion of the bilateral tube assembly 14. However, it is contemplated that the upper tube support section 24 may include other means of securing the bilateral tube assembly including hook and loop fasteners, straps, buckles, laces, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, the lower tube support section 26 provides support for a lower portion of the bilateral tube assembly 14 by ensuring that the lower portion of the bilateral tube assembly 14 is secured to the head 12. Supporting the bilateral tube assembly 14 at two separate locations provides superior support for the respiratory device, which prevents a need to continually readjust or tighten the head harness 10 which can irritate the patient's wounds or cause discomfort, both of which may prevent proper and timely healing.

The lower tube support section 26 includes a base member 60, a cross member 62, and tube loops 64. The base member 60 extends from the headband section 20 and is affixed at one end to the headband section 20 at a portion of the headband section 20 corresponding to a back of the patient's neck. The base member 60 is made of a flexible material or fabric, for example, cotton, which extends downward from the headband section 20 toward the patient's back. The base member 60 extends from about 2 inches to about 3 inches from the headband section 20 and terminates in a loop of fabric, which forms a through hole 61. The cross member 62 is made of a similar material to that of the base member 60. The cross member 62 passes through the through hole 61 and extends toward oppositely disposed ends. The cross member 62 slides freely within the through hole 61. The cross member 62 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the base member 60. A tube loop 64 is disposed at each of the oppositely disposed ends. The tube loop 64 according to an exemplary embodiment includes a loop of material that is attached at both ends of the cross member 62. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the tube loop 64 is adjustable using a figure “8” shaped adjuster similar to the adjusting member 44. The figure “8” shaped adjuster is slidable along the cross member 62 to adjust the size of the tube loop 64 and thereby adjust a tightness with which the tube loop 64 engages the bilateral tube assembly 14. The lower portion of the bilateral tube assembly 14 passes through each corresponding tube loop 64, which provides support to the bilateral tube assembly 14. The tube loop 64 and the cross member 62 are elastic to allow the head 12 to turn freely without displacing the bilateral tube assembly 14.

An embodiment of a head harness 10 has been described, which is capable of providing support for a respiratory device while enhancing the comfort of the patient. Additionally, it is envisioned that the head harness 10 be adapted for creative uses by the user. Creative uses include, for example, altering the color or shape of certain components of the device in a way that does not detract from the functionality of the component but improves the aesthetic appeal of the head harness 10. Additionally, it is envisioned that inspirational and personal messages be placed on the head harness 10.

In addition, while an embodiment of the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. 

1. An adjustable head harness for supporting an interface device near a face of a head, the adjustable head harness comprising: a headband section adapted to fit over a portion of the head and configured to secure the adjustable head harness to the head, the headband section having connectors disposed at selected portions of the headband section; an adjustable crown support section configured to prevent a slipping of the headband section in a downward direction with respect to a top of the head, the adjustable crown support section traversing the top of the head in a crisscross fashion and connected to the headband section via the connectors; an upper support section disposed at a portion of the headband section corresponding to the face, the upper support section supporting the interface device at a first location; and a lower support section extended from the headband section to provide support for the interface device at a second location.
 2. The adjustable head harness of claim 1 wherein the headband section comprises: a main strap having a first end and a second end; and an attachment device disposed at at least one of said first and second ends, the attachment device configured to attach the first and second ends to each other.
 3. The adjustable head harness of claim 2 wherein the main strap comprises elastic cotton.
 4. The adjustable head harness of claim 2 wherein the attachment device comprises a hook and loop fastener.
 5. The adjustable head harness of claim 2 wherein each connector of the connectors comprises a receiving loop of material.
 6. The adjustable head harness of claim 1 wherein the adjustable crown support section comprises: at least two straps disposed to traverse the top of the head in the crisscross fashion, each strap having a first end and a second end; an adjusting member disposed at the each strap to enable adjustment of a length of the each strap; and a connecting device disposed at the each strap configured to engage one of the connectors.
 7. The adjustable head harness of claim 6 wherein the adjustable crown support section further comprises: a center ring, a first end of the each strap attaches to the center ring, the adjusting member defining a figure “8” shape having a center bar defining two apertures, the center bar is attached to the second end of the each strap and selected portions the each strap pass through each of the two apertures to provide adjustment of the length of the each strap.
 8. The adjustable head harness of claim 6 wherein the connecting device and the adjusting member comprise non-metallic materials.
 9. The adjustable head harness of claim 6 wherein the connecting device comprises an “S-hook” having an open end and a closed end, the closed end being disposed at a selected portion of the each strap, and the open end insertable into one of the connectors.
 10. The adjustable head harness of claim 6 wherein a number of the connectors is greater than a number of the at least two straps to permit an attachment between the adjustable crown support section and the headband section in a plurality of arrangements of the adjustable crown support section with respect to the head.
 11. The adjustable head harness of claim 6 wherein one of the at least two straps has the first end permanently fixed to the headband section to prevent a separation of the headband section from the adjustable crown support section.
 12. The adjustable head harness of claim 1 wherein the upper support section comprises an interface device holder disposed at a portion of the headband section corresponding to a temple region of the head, the interface device holder comprising adjustable straps to support the interface device.
 13. The adjustable head harness of claim 1 wherein the lower support section comprises: a base member disposed at a portion of the headband section corresponding to a back of the head extending downward with respect to the head, the base member having a through hole; and a cross member adjustably extending through the through hole, the cross member having an end portion adapted to support the interface device.
 14. An adjustable head harness for supporting a bilateral tube assembly near a head having a face and a top portion, the adjustable head harness comprising: a headband section adapted to fit over a portion of the head and configured to secure the adjustable head harness to the head, the headband section having connectors disposed at selected portions of the headband section; an adjustable crown support section configured to prevent a slipping of the headband section in a downward direction with respect to the top portion of the head, the adjustable crown support section traversing the top portion of the head in a crisscross fashion and connected to the headband section via the connectors; an upper tube support section disposed at a portion of the headband section corresponding to the face, the upper tube support section supporting the bilateral tube assembly at a first location; and a lower tube support section extended from the headband section to provide support for the bilateral tube assembly at a second location.
 15. The adjustable head harness of claim 14 wherein the headband section comprises: a main strap having a first end and a second end; and an attachment device disposed at at least one of the first and second ends, the attachment device configured to attach the first and second ends to each other.
 16. The adjustable head harness of claim 14 wherein the adjustable crown support section comprises: at least two straps disposed to traverse the top portion of the head in the crisscross fashion, each strap having a first end and a second end; an adjusting member disposed at the each strap to enable adjustment of a length of the each strap; and a connecting device disposed at the each strap configured to engage one of the connectors.
 17. The adjustable head harness of claim 16 wherein a number of the connectors is greater than a number of the straps to permit an attachment between the adjustable crown support section and the headband section in a plurality of arrangements of the adjustable crown support section with respect to the head.
 18. The adjustable head harness of claim 16 wherein the adjustable crown support section further comprises: a center ring, a first end of the each strap attaches to the center ring, the adjusting member defining a figure “8” shape having a center bar defining two apertures, the center bar is attached to the second end of the each strap and selected portions the each strap pass through each of the two apertures to provide adjustment of the length of the each strap.
 19. The adjustable head harness of claim 14 wherein the upper tube support section comprises a tube holder disposed at a portion of the headband section corresponding to a temple region of the head, the tube holder comprising adjustable straps to support the bilateral tube assembly.
 20. The adjustable head harness of claim 14 wherein the lower tube support section comprises: a base member disposed at a portion of the headband section corresponding to a back of the head extending downward with respect to the top portion of the head, the base member having a through hole; and a cross member adjustably extending through the through hole, the cross member having an end portion adapted to support the bilateral tube assembly. 